Notes: November 30, 2009

Greeks, a voice from heaven and more…

Today’s reading is varied in content and application.

John 12:20-36

Greeks who want to see Jesus (v. 20-23)

  • Asking Philip
  • In what way does Greeks/Gentiles seeking Jesus indicate that his hour has come?

The dying seed brings forth fruit (v. 24)

  • A seed sitting on the shelf has life within it; and is, and always will be, alone.
  • But plant that seed and it dies, but it brings forth abundant life.
  • So also, Jesus must die that multitude others shall live.

Serving Jesus (v. 25-26)

  • To serve Jesus is to follow him.
  • To serve Jesus is to be honored by God.

A voice from heaven in answer to Jesus’ prayer (v. 27-30)

  • Jesus was torn between his purpose in life and the troubles ahead.
  • As we should, he prayed that the Father be glorified in his life.
  • The Father assured him, audibly from heaven, that glory would come.
  • The people who heard the sound from heaven we uncertain about its origin, some saying it was thunder, other supposing it was the voice of an angel. We know it was the voice of the Father.
  • The voice was for the benefit of the people and not for Jesus’ sake.

Jesus will die and Satan will be cast out (v. 31-34)

  • By his death and atonement for sin, Jesus destroyed the devil (Hebrews 2:14).
  • Jesus spoke of being lifted up, not just a public announcement, but death by crucifixion.
  • The people were confused by his death notice.  They passed over verses on the death of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:1-12; Daniel 9:24-27), and remembered only those about his eternal reign (Psalm 89:4; 110:4; Isaiah 9:7; Ezekiel 37:25; Daniel 7:14).

Walk in the light and believe in the light (v. 35-36).

  • Jesus is the light.
  • He will soon be taken from them.
  • They should live accordingly.

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